When sports fans go too far

February 28, 2014 9:43 AM

Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

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Some people don't live by the saying 'it's just a game.' Many take the success or failure of their favorite team personally.
Sports is supposed to be a form of entertainment, and there is a thin line between being a fan and being dangerous. Here is a look at when sports fans have crossed the line. less

Some people don't live by the saying 'it's just a game.' Many take the success or failure of their favorite team personally.
Sports is supposed to be a form of entertainment, and there is a thin line between ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Some people don't live by the saying 'it's just a... Photo-5303437.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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One Texans' fan was recorded buying a jersey in the parking lot of Reliant Stadium for the sole purpose of setting it on fire after the Texans lost to the Seahawks.
Days after quarterback Matt Schaub threw three interceptions against the 49ers, his family filed two reports to HPD about trespassers at their private residence.
Booing a player or writing disparaging comments is one appropriate way to let out frustration. Confronting an athlete at their home is not. less

One Texans' fan was recorded buying a jersey in the parking lot of Reliant Stadium for the sole purpose of setting it on fire after the Texans lost to the Seahawks.
Days after quarterback Matt Schaub threw ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

One Texans' fan was recorded buying a jersey in the parking... Photo-5303438.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Former Texans' returner and receiver Jacoby Jones can relate to Schaub's situation. A muffed punt in a 2012 playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens proved to be his last mistake for the team as he was released. less

Former Texans' returner and receiver Jacoby Jones can relate to Schaub's situation. A muffed punt in a 2012 playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens proved to be his last mistake for the team as he was ... more

Much to the chagrin of Texans' fans, apparently all Jones needed was a change of scenery. He made several crucial plays to help his new team, the Baltimore Ravens, win the last Super Bowl.

Much to the chagrin of Texans' fans, apparently all Jones needed was a change of scenery. He made several crucial plays to help his new team, the Baltimore Ravens, win the last Super Bowl.

Photo: Don Wright, Associated Press

Much to the chagrin of Texans' fans, apparently all Jones... Photo-5303441.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Twitter could be a reason to blame for fans going too far. Social media has given unprecedented access to fans into the lives of athletes. Take a look at some of the people sending tweets to LeBron James, Dwight Howard or any athlete and you will find words that cannot be published here. less

Twitter could be a reason to blame for fans going too far. Social media has given unprecedented access to fans into the lives of athletes. Take a look at some of the people sending tweets to LeBron James, ... more

Controversy broke out during the Rockets' most recent playoff series against the Thunder. Oklahoma City's star guard Russell Westbrook suffered a knee injury from a collision with Houston guard Patrick Beverley. It ended Westbrook's season. less

Controversy broke out during the Rockets' most recent playoff series against the Thunder. Oklahoma City's star guard Russell Westbrook suffered a knee injury from a collision with Houston guard Patrick ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Controversy broke out during the Rockets' most recent playoff... Photo-5303443.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Oklahoma City fans blamed Beverley for Westbrook's injury. A ball boy for the Thunder said via Twitter that he was 'coming to kill' Beverely. It was one of many threats to the Rockets' player.
When the Thunder were eventually eliminated in the next round, Beverley was still the source of their blame. less

Oklahoma City fans blamed Beverley for Westbrook's injury. A ball boy for the Thunder said via Twitter that he was 'coming to kill' Beverely. It was one of many threats to the Rockets' player.
When the ... more

The only thing worse than harassing a professional athlete on Twitter would be doing it to an athlete who is still in high school.
While still at Sealy, Ricky-Seals Jones saw the ugly side of fans when he was one of the most coveted football players in the nation. less

The only thing worse than harassing a professional athlete on Twitter would be doing it to an athlete who is still in high school.
While still at Sealy, Ricky-Seals Jones saw the ugly side of fans when he was ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

The only thing worse than harassing a professional athlete on... Photo-5303445.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Seals-Jones received recruitment letters from almost every college football program and the country, but originally pledged to play at Texas.
When he renounced his commitment to the Longhorns things became worrisome for Seals-Jones:
“When I decommitted, it was crazy,” he said in an article. “I got death threats on Twitter. A couple cars in my neighborhood we didn’t know would drive by house real slow. I live in the country, so the cars that do drive by, you know who’s in them.” less

Seals-Jones received recruitment letters from almost every college football program and the country, but originally pledged to play at Texas.
When he renounced his commitment to the Longhorns things became ... more

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle

Seals-Jones received recruitment letters from almost every college... Photo-5303446.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Seals-Jones eventually decided to play at Texas A&M and hopefully people are no longer so upset that they would threaten his life about his decision.

Seals-Jones eventually decided to play at Texas A&M and hopefully people are no longer so upset that they would threaten his life about his decision.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

Seals-Jones eventually decided to play at Texas A&M and... Photo-5303447.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Few people look at Charles Barkley as someone to pick a fight with. He is recognized as one of the nicest guys in sports now, but he was an imposing figure on the basketball court. He had his fair share of troubles with the public when he was on the Rockets. less

Few people look at Charles Barkley as someone to pick a fight with. He is recognized as one of the nicest guys in sports now, but he was an imposing figure on the basketball court. He had his fair share of ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Few people look at Charles Barkley as someone to pick a fight with.... Photo-5303448.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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While at a bar in Orlando, a patron provoked 'Sir Charles' by throwing a glass at his table. Barkley responded by throwing the man through a plate-glass window and was arrested. This forced Barkley to hire his own personal security. less

While at a bar in Orlando, a patron provoked 'Sir Charles' by throwing a glass at his table. Barkley responded by throwing the man through a plate-glass window and was arrested. This forced Barkley to hire his ... more

Photo: Pat Sullivan, Associated Press

While at a bar in Orlando, a patron provoked 'Sir... Photo-5303449.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, has always had a reputation for being a hothead.

Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, has always had a reputation for being a hothead.

Photo: Duane Burleson, Associated Press

Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, has always had a... Photo-5303450.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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What is now known as "Malice at the Palace," Artest rushed the stands after a fan threw a cup of beer at him. What happened next was one of the ugliest moments in sports history as Artest and his teammates brawled with Detroit fans. less

What is now known as "Malice at the Palace," Artest rushed the stands after a fan threw a cup of beer at him. What happened next was one of the ugliest moments in sports history as Artest and his teammates ... more

Photo: Duane Burleson, Associated Press

What is now known as "Malice at the Palace," Artest... Photo-5303451.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Artest was suspended for the remainer of the 2004 season for his part in the fight at Auburn Hills Palace.

Artest was suspended for the remainer of the 2004 season for his part in the fight at Auburn Hills Palace.

Photo: Oakland County Prosecutor, Associated Press

Artest was suspended for the remainer of the 2004 season for his... Photo-5303452.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Steve Bartman, a lifelong Cubs fan, will be remembered for his mistake and not for his loyalty.
The Cubs were five outs away from reaching the World Series for the first time in 58 years. When outfielder Moisés Alou drifted into foul territory the ball was snatched up by Bartman.
The Cubs went on to lose the series and many blame Bartman for the team's bad luck. less

Steve Bartman, a lifelong Cubs fan, will be remembered for his mistake and not for his loyalty.
The Cubs were five outs away from reaching the World Series for the first time in 58 years. When outfielder ... more

Bartman had to be escorted by security from Wrigley Field and then protected from angry Cubs fans after his name and address were made public. His green turtleneck and headphones are a universal symbol for fan interference. less

Bartman had to be escorted by security from Wrigley Field and then protected from angry Cubs fans after his name and address were made public. His green turtleneck and headphones are a universal symbol for fan ... more

Photo: Scott Strazzantea, Chicago Tribune

Bartman had to be escorted by security from Wrigley Field and then... Photo-5303454.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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Nobody wants to see a streaker. They delay the action of a game and gross people out.

Nobody wants to see a streaker. They delay the action of a game and gross people out.

Photo: Houston Chronicle, File Photo

Nobody wants to see a streaker. They delay the action of a game and... Photo-5303455.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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It's an inevitability that trespassing at a sporting event will end in some sort of legal consequences, so why bother being a nuisance?

It's an inevitability that trespassing at a sporting event will end in some sort of legal consequences, so why bother being a nuisance?

Photo: Mark Sobhani, San Antonio Express-News

It's an inevitability that trespassing at a sporting event... Photo-5303456.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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In December of 2001, Cleveland Browns fans had an extreme reaction when a call didn't go their way. With 48 seconds remaining officials overturned a crucial decision, prompting outrage.

In December of 2001, Cleveland Browns fans had an extreme reaction when a call didn't go their way. With 48 seconds remaining officials overturned a crucial decision, prompting outrage.

Photo: Mark Duncan, Associated Press

In December of 2001, Cleveland Browns fans had an extreme reaction... Photo-5303457.71847 - Houston Chronicle

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The barrage of bottles forced Cleveland and Jacksonville players to seek refuge in the locker rooms. The game was delayed for about 30 minutes.
"We feared for our lives," Jacksonville wide receiver Jimmy Smith said. "It was like dodging bullets." less

The barrage of bottles forced Cleveland and Jacksonville players to seek refuge in the locker rooms. The game was delayed for about 30 minutes.
"We feared for our lives," Jacksonville wide receiver Jimmy Smith ... more